Area residents will have the opportunity to see some of the best of what local and regional businesses have to offer at the Business Expo and Taste of the Straits on May 2.

The event, sponsored by the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the Cheboygan Ice Pavilion from 3-8 p.m. that day.

“Response has been tremendous from the businesses and we only have eight booths remaining out of 53,” said Nate King of the Chamber of Commerce. “We will have new faces there this year. It will be an opportunity for them to promote their business.”

There is a $5 fee to get into the expo, but King said there will be plenty of “freebies” for people to walk away with.

Some of the events taking place at the Expo include cooking demonstrations; product demos; a cash bar; and the Northern Michigan Brewhaha.

“This will be a people’s choice competition,” King said. “Beers at the competition will be available for sale.”

King said the event used to be the home show, but changes were made when the economy was not well for home builders.

“We are excited about this important event for area businesses,” stated Matthew J. Friday, executive director of the chamber. “The expo will be a great place for businesses and individuals to network and to make new contacts, and have the chance to take home some samples and great door prizes.”

One of the major changes this year is that the stage will be in the center of the pavilion which will allow and encourage people to move around more freely.

King said there will be local businesses there, as well as from outside the area.

“The Wild Wing Lodge and Kennel from Kentucky will be there,” he said. “We were surprised.”

According to their web page, the Wild Wing Lodge is for those interested in upland bird hunting.

For more information on the expo or to reserve a booth, contact the chamber at 231-627-7183 or go to their website at www.cheboygan.com.